Biochemists and Biophysicists
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Tasks Include:
- Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
- Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.
- Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
- Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.
- Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.
- Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
- Prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution.
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: No Data
National: +9.0%
Education
Post-Doctoral Training
Job Zone:
Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$107,460.00
State
$138,210.00
Regional
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Description
| Career Cluster: | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
|
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Education
Required Level of Education
- Post-Doctoral Training = 40%
- Bachelor's Degree = 25%
- Doctoral Degree = 25%
- First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession. = 10%
Related Work Experience
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 40%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 25%
- None = 15%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 10%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 5%
- Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 5%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 25%
- Up to and including 1 month = 20%
- None = 15%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 15%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 10%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 5%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 5%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 5%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 45%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 15%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 15%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 10%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 10%
- None or short demonstration = 5%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
- Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.
- Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
- Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.
- Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.
- Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
- Research the chemical effects of substances, such as drugs, serums, hormones, or food, on tissues or vital processes.
- Research how characteristics of plants or animals are carried through successive generations.
- Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
- Isolate, analyze, or synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, or enzymes and determine their effects on body functions.
- Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
- Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
- Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.
- Examine the molecular or chemical aspects of immune system functioning.
- Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution.
- Develop methods to process, store, or use foods, drugs, or chemical compounds.
- Investigate the nature, composition, or expression of genes or research how genetic engineering can impact these processes.
- Produce pharmaceutically or industrially useful proteins, using recombinant DNA technology.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Amino acid analyzers
- Analytical balances
- Ultracentrifuges (Analytical ultracentrifuges)
- Lasers (Argon lasers)
- Scanning probe microscopes (Atomic force microscopes)
- Gamma counters (Auto gamma counters)
- Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Autoclaves)
- Gel documentation systems (Automated electrophoresis equipment)
- Robotic or automated liquid handling systems (Automatic pipetters)
- Medical imaging wet darkroom or daylight processors (Automatic x ray film developers)
- Laboratory balances (Balances)
- Osmometers (Basic vapor pressure osmometers)
- Laboratory beakers (Beakers)
- Binocular light compound microscopes
- Cryogenic or liquid nitrogen freezers (Biofreezers)
- Safety hoods (Biological safety hoods)
- Polarizing microscopes (Brewster angle microscopes)
- Instrumentation for capillary electrophoresis (Capillary electrophoresis equipment)
- Dry wall single chamber carbon dioxide incubators (Carbon dioxide CO2 incubators)
- Manual or electronic hematology differential cell counters (Cell sorters)
- Photo attachments for microscopes (Charge-coupled device CCD cameras)
- Fume hoods or cupboards (Chemical fume hoods)
- Chemistry analyzers
- Spectrometers (Circular dichroism spectroscopes)
- Chilling units or cold water circulators (Circulating water cooling systems)
- Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes (Computerized axial tomography CAT scan equipment)
- Scanning light or spinning disk or laser scanning microscopes (Confocal microscopes)
- Benchtop centrifuges (Continuous flow centrifuges)
- Microtomes (Cryocut microtomes)
- Cryogenic or liquid nitrogen freezers (Cryogenic freezers)
- Electron microscopes (Cryomicroscopes)
- Microtomes (Cryostat tissue microtomes)
- Transmission electron microscopes (Cryotransmission electron microscopes)
- Benchtop centrifuges (Cytospin centrifuges)
- Medical x ray darkroom equipment or supplies (Darkroom equipment)
- Deoxyribonucleic sequence analyzers (Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequencers)
- Desktop computers
- Optical beamsplitters (Dichroic beamsplitters)
- Calorimeters (Differential scanning calorimeters)
- Spectrometers (Dual wavelength spectroscopes)
- Electroencephalography EEG units or accessories (Electroencephalography EEG equipment)
- Electron microscopes
- Spectrometers (Electron paramagnetic resonance EPR spectrometers)
- Spectrometers (Electron spin resonance spectroscopes)
- Electrophoresis system power supplies (Electrophoresis power supplies)
- Laboratory flasks (Erlenmeyer flasks)
- Standard fermentation units (Fermenters)
- Laboratory funnels (Filtering funnels)
- Flame ionization analyzers (Flame ionization detectors FID)
- Freeze dryers or lyopholizers (Flexi-dry lyophilizers)
- Microbiology analyzers (Flow cytometers)
- Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters (Fluorescence spectroscopes)
- Infrared spectrometers (Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectroscopes)
- Freeze dryers or lyopholizers (Freeze dryers)
- Laboratory funnels (Funnels)
- Irradiation gamma sources (Gamma ray irradiators)
- Gas chromatographs (Gas chromatographs GC)
- Gel boxes
- Laboratory adapters or connectors or fittings (Glassware adaptors)
- Laboratory heat exchange condensers (Glassware condensers)
- Laboratory graduated cylinders (Graduated cylinders)
- Refrigerated and heated reach in environmental or growth chambers (Growth chambers)
- Dry baths or heating blocks (Heat blocks)
- Forced air or mechanical convection general purpose incubators (Heat incubators)
- Heating mantles or tapes (Heating mantles)
- Chemistry analyzers (Hemoglobin analyzers)
- Reactors or fermenters or digesters (High-pressure high-temperature reactors)
- High pressure liquid chromatograph chromatography (High-pressure liquid chromatographs)
- Homogenizers
- Laboratory hotplates (Hot plates)
- Forced air or mechanical convection general purpose incubators (Incubators)
- Inverted microscopes
- Ion analyzers (Ionometers)
- Calorimeters (Isothermal titration calorimeters ITC)
- Lasers (Krypton lasers)
- Laboratory mechanical convection ovens (Laboratory convection ovens)
- Laboratory vacuum pumps
- Laminar flow cabinets or stations (Laminar flow hoods)
- Pressure indicators (Langmuir balances)
- Binocular light compound microscopes (Large upright microscopes)
- Light scattering equipment (Laser Doppler zeta potential analyzers)
- Spectrometers (Laser induced temperature jump nanosecond relaxation spectrometer systems)
- Light scattering equipment (Laser particle sizers)
- Laser printers
- Lasers (Laser tweezers)
- Lasers
- Light scattering equipment (Light scattering devices)
- Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators (Linear accelerators)
- Robotic or automated liquid handling systems (Liquid handling robots)
- Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers (Liquid nuclear magnetic resonance NMR equipment)
- Piezo electric crystals (Magnetic piconewton-force transducers)
- Tweezers (Magnetic tweezers)
- Mainframe computers
- Mass spectrometers
- Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners (Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI equipment)
- Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners (Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI microscopes)
- Benchtop centrifuges (Megafuge centrifuges)
- Analytical balances (Mettler balances)
- Calorimeters (Microcalorimeters)
- Microcentrifuges
- Radiobiological effect microdosimeters (Microdosimeters)
- Injectors (Microinjectors)
- pH meters (Microphysiometers)
- Microplate readers
- Microscope slides
- Paramagnetic susceptibility analyzers (Microsusceptometers)
- Spectrometers (Mossbauer spectroscopes)
- Light scattering equipment (Multi-angle elastic-light scattering systems)
- Mass spectrometers (Multichannel detectors)
- Scanning probe microscopes (Nanoscopes)
- Scanning light or spinning disk or laser scanning microscopes (Near-field light microscopes)
- Lasers (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Nd:YAG lasers)
- Notebook computers
- Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers (Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectroscopes)
- Tweezers (Optical tweezers)
- Orbital shakers
- Pasteur or transfer pipettes (Pasteur pipettes)
- Hematology or chemistry mixers (Peptide synthesizers)
- Personal computers
- pH meters
- Digital camcorders or video cameras (Phosphorimager video cameras)
- Electron guns (Phosphorimagers)
- Dropping pipettes (Pipettes)
- Plotter printers (Plotters)
- Medical positron emission tomography PET units (Positron emission tomography PET scanners)
- Signal conditioners (Power amplifiers)
- Protein analyzers (Protein sequencers)
- Spectrometers (Raman difference spectrometers)
- Refrigerated benchtop centrifuges (Refrigerated centrifuges)
- Rheometers
- X ray generators (Rotating anode X ray generators)
- Vacuum or centrifugal concentrators (Sample concentrators)
- Lasers (Sapphire lasers)
- Electronic toploading balances (Sartorius balances)
- Scanners
- Scanning electron microscopes (Scanning electron microscopes SEM)
- Scanning light or spinning disk or laser scanning microscopes (Scanning laser microscopes)
- Liquid scintillation counters (Scintillation counters)
- Shaking incubators
- Orbital shaking water baths (Shaking waterbaths)
- Signal generators
- Lasers (Solid state diode lasers)
- Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers (Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance NMR equipment)
- Ultrasonic disintegrators (Sonicators)
- Laboratory balances (Specific gravity balances)
- Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters (Spectrofluorimeters)
- Spectrophotometers
- Polarimeters (Spectropolarimeters)
- Spectrophotometers (Stopped-flow spectrophotometers)
- X ray generators (Synchrotrons)
- Benchtop centrifuges (Tabletop centrifuges)
- Multipurpose or general test tubes (Test tubes)
- Heat tracing equipment (Thermal imagers)
- Electronic toploading balances (Top-loading electronic balances)
- Binocular light compound microscopes (Transillumination microscopes)
- Transmission electron microscopes (Transmission electron microscopes TEM)
- Ultracentrifuges
- Microtomes (Ultramicrotomes)
- Ultrasonic cleaning equipment (Ultrasonic cleaners)
- Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters (Ultraviolet UV spectroscopes)
- Transilluminators (Ultraviolet UV transilluminators)
- Freeze dryers or lyopholizers (Vacuum freezers)
- Tissue processors (Vibratome tissue sectioning systems)
- Binocular light compound microscopes (Video enhanced differential interference contrast microscopes)
- Camera controllers (Video positioning equipment)
- Viscosimeters (Viscometers)
- Water baths
- Ultra violet water purification units (Water purification units)
- X ray diffraction equipment (X ray crystallography equipment)
- Electron microscopes (X ray microscopes)
Technologies Include:
- Analytical or scientific software
- Assisted model building with energy refinement AMBER software
- ABAQUS software
- Accelrys Cerius2
- Accelrys FELIX
- PREMIER Biosoft Array Designer
- Accelrys QAUNTA
- Statistical software
- Analysis and building software
- Crystallography & NMR System CNS software
- SAS software
- Basic Local Alignment Search Tool BLAST
- Carrier-mediated transport software
- Chang Bioscience ToolKit
- Semichem AMPAC
- Chemistry at Harvard Molecular Mechanics CHARMm software
- Crystallographic software
- Shrodinger Jaguar
- Docking and ligand binding software
- Spartan software
- SPSS software
- Structure prediction software
- Equilibrate software
- ESRI What if?
- Expression DNA and protein sequence software
- Fujitsu BioMedCache
- Fujitsu MOPAC
- Gaussian software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Genetics computer group GSG software
- Gepasi software
- Tripos SYBYL
- Video analysis software
- Voltage-gated ion channels software
- Hodgkin-Huxley Model software
- Wavefunction Titan
- Yet another scientific artificial reality application YASARA software
- Laboratory information management system LIMS software
- Macroscopic diffusion software
- Molecular simulation software
- Multivariate statistical program MVSP software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Accelrys Insight II
- ChemInnovation Software Chem 4-D
- 3D graphics software
- Data base user interface and query software
- eNotebook software
- Sequence database software
- Data mining software
- Golden Helix ChemTree
- Golden Helix HelixTree
- Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software
- AutoQuant AutoDeblur
- Elsevier MDL ISIS/Draw
- GE Healthcare ImageQuant TL
- Graphics software
- Intelligent Imaging Innovations SlideBook
- Molecular Devices Corporation MetaFluor
- Molecular Devices Corporation MetaMorph
- Molecular Simulations WebLab ViewerPro
- JustBio SeqPainter
- Information retrieval or search software
- Molecular Networks GmbH Biochemical Pathways
- Internet browser software
- Internet browser software
- Inventory management software
- ItemTracker software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Python
- Practical extraction and reporting language Perl
- Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
- Operating system software
- Linux
- Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
- Word processing software
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Special Requirements
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education: A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Knowledge
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 91.25 | Biology | Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment. |
| 83.75 | Chemistry | Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
| 82.50 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
| 82.50 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| 76.25 | Physics | Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes. |
| 67.50 | Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
| 63.75 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| 59.25 | Engineering and Technology | Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Skills
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 93.75 | Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
| 84.50 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| 81.25 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| 81.25 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
| 78.00 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| 78.00 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| 78.00 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| 78.00 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| 75.00 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
| 75.00 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| 72.00 | Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
| 72.00 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
| 65.50 | Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. |
| 59.50 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
| 53.00 | Systems Evaluation | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
| 53.00 | Operations Analysis | Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. |
| 50.00 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
| 50.00 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
| 50.00 | Persuasion | Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. |
| 50.00 | Quality Control Analysis | Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. |
| 50.00 | Management of Personnel Resources | Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Abilities
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 81.25 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
| 81.25 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
| 81.25 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
| 78.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
| 78.00 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
| 75.00 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
| 75.00 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
| 75.00 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
| 75.00 | Mathematical Reasoning | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
| 75.00 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
| 72.00 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
| 68.75 | Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
| 68.75 | Originality | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
| 68.75 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
| 65.50 | Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
| 62.50 | Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
| 56.25 | Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
| 53.00 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
| 53.00 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
| 50.00 | Memorization | The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures. |
| 50.00 | Speed of Closure | The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns. |
| 50.00 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Work Activities
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 98.75 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| 93.75 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| 93.75 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| 93.75 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| 92.50 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| 92.50 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| 92.50 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| 91.75 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| 88.75 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| 87.50 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| 83.75 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| 83.75 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| 83.00 | Developing Objectives and Strategies | Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
| 82.50 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
| 78.75 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
| 77.50 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| 75.00 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
| 73.75 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
| 71.25 | Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates | Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
| 68.75 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
| 65.00 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| 63.75 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
| 63.25 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| 61.75 | Communicating with People Outside the Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| 61.25 | Controlling Machines and Processes | Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
| 60.50 | Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment | Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles. |
| 58.75 | Providing Consultation and Advice to Others | Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
| 58.00 | Monitoring and Controlling Resources | Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
| 58.00 | Developing and Building Teams | Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
| 56.50 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
| 56.25 | Performing Administrative Activities | Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
| 52.50 | Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment | Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Work Styles
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 98.75 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
| 97.50 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
| 96.25 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
| 93.75 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
| 90.00 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
| 90.00 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
| 88.75 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
| 87.50 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
| 81.25 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
| 78.75 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
| 76.25 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
| 75.00 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
| 75.00 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
| 65.00 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
| 52.50 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Work Values
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 83.33 | Recognition | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
| 77.83 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
| 77.83 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
| 66.67 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Work Context
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 97.00 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
| 95.00 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
| 93.40 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
| 88.80 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
| 87.00 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
| 86.00 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
| 84.20 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
| 83.20 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
| 82.20 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
| 76.00 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
| 75.00 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
| 74.00 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
| 73.60 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
| 73.40 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
| 71.60 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
| 70.60 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
| 69.00 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
| 68.80 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
| 67.40 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
| 66.40 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
| 66.00 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
| 63.20 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
| 63.20 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
| 62.20 | Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions? |
| 54.00 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
| 53.60 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
| 53.00 | Public Speaking | How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job? |
| 52.60 | Degree of Automation | How automated is the job? |
| 51.00 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
| 50.60 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
- Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Earnings Benefits*
| Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $64,680.00 | $107,460.00 | $136,080.00 |
| Virginia | $66,500.00 | $138,210.00 | $165,480.00 |
| Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
| Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Hampton Roads | $94,620.00 | $125,900.00 | $127,820.00 |
| New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Northern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Employment Projections
USA: 2023-2033
Virginia: 2022-2032
Regions: 2020-2030
| Current | Projected | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 35,700 | 39,000 | +9.0% |
| Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
| Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Northern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Microbiologists
- Geneticists
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
- Chemists
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Bioinformatics Scientists
- Physicists
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Animal Scientists
- Biological Technicians
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Cytogenetic Technologists
- Histotechnologists
- Biologists
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Histology Technicians
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Data Scientists
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Careers in Science and Mathematics Pathway:
- Anthropologists and Archeologists
- Astronomers
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Bioinformatics Scientists
- Biological Scientists, All Other
- Biostatisticians
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Chemists
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Clinical Data Managers
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Conservation Scientists
- Data Scientists
- Economists
- Environmental Economists
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Geneticists
- Geographers
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Historians
- Hydrologic Technicians
- Hydrologists
- Industrial Ecologists
- Life Scientists, All Other
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
- Materials Scientists
- Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
- Mathematicians
- Microbiologists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Park Naturalists
- Physical Scientists, All Other
- Physicists
- Political Scientists
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
- Quality Control Analysts
- Range Managers
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
- Sociologists
- Statisticians
- Survey Researchers
- Transportation Planners
- Urban and Regional Planners
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
View Videos
CareerOneStop Video
View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Videos
Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Titles
- Analytical Research Chemist
- Associate Professor
- Biological Chemist
- Clinical Biochemist
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Clinical Researcher
- Genetic Engineer
- Laboratory Director
- Nanotechnologist
- Pharmaceutical Scientist
- Physical Biochemist
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- Process Engineer
- Research Affiliate
- Research Assistant
- Research Associate
- Research Chemist
- Research Scientist
- Scientist
- Staff Toxicologist
- Toxicologist
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Related Schools
- Averett University
- Bridgewater College
- Eastern Mennonite University
- George Mason University
- Hampden-Sydney College
- Hampton University
- Liberty University
- Mary Baldwin University
- Marymount University
- Old Dominion University
- Roanoke College
- Southern Virginia University
- University of Richmond
- University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Washington and Lee University
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)